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Which Big Ten team travels the most in Week 8? Oregon, Maryland lead group

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 13:41 GMT by USA Today
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Big Ten Football Travel: A Growing Challenge as Conference Expands

The landscape of college football is shifting dramatically, and with it comes a significant logistical hurdle: travel distance. The recent expansion of the Big Ten conference, adding USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington, has created unprecedented challenges for teams navigating its schedule, particularly concerning player health, safety, and overall competitive balance. A USA Today analysis published October 18, 2023, meticulously details these escalating distances and their potential impact on the league’s future.

The core of the issue lies in the sheer geographic sprawl now encompassed by the Big Ten. Previously a largely Midwestern conference, it now stretches from Los Angeles to New Jersey. The analysis highlights that during Week 8 of the 2024 season, one team will face a travel distance exceeding 2,500 miles – a figure previously unheard of in major college football. This week sees Northwestern traveling to USC, a journey spanning approximately 2,137 miles. [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/bigten/2024/08/15/northwestern-usc-football-game-travel-distance-pacific-time-zone/70963367007/] This single game represents a significant burden on players, coaches, and support staff.

The USA Today report quantifies the increased travel demands by calculating total mileage for each team across their entire 2024 schedule. Penn State faces the most extensive travel at 10,538 miles, followed closely by Washington (9,763 miles) and Oregon (9,679 miles). Even teams closer to the traditional Big Ten footprint are experiencing a notable increase in mileage compared to pre-expansion schedules. For example, Michigan’s total travel distance jumps from 4,251 miles in 2023 to 6,833 miles in 2024. [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/bigten/2024/07/29/big-ten-football-travel-mileage-teams-conference-expansion/70568136007/]

The implications of this increased travel extend beyond simple fatigue. Player health and safety are paramount concerns. Frequent cross-country flights disrupt sleep patterns, impact nutrition, and increase the risk of injury due to exhaustion. The time zone changes alone can significantly affect performance, particularly for teams traveling eastward or westward across multiple time zones. Recovery becomes a critical factor, and coaches must carefully manage player workloads to mitigate these risks.

The financial burden is also substantial. Travel costs – including flights, hotels, meals, and charter buses – are escalating dramatically for all Big Ten institutions. While the conference’s media rights deals provide significant revenue, these funds must be allocated across various programs, and increased travel expenses inevitably impact other areas like facilities upgrades or player development initiatives.

The USA Today analysis also explores potential solutions being considered by the conference. One option is to adjust future scheduling models to minimize cross-country travel, perhaps through regional pods or rotating opponents. However, this approach presents its own challenges, potentially impacting traditional rivalries and competitive balance. Another possibility involves exploring alternative transportation methods, such as chartering private planes for all teams – a costly but potentially beneficial solution for player comfort and recovery. The conference is also reportedly considering providing financial assistance to schools facing the most significant travel burdens.

Furthermore, the impact on recruiting cannot be ignored. While the expanded Big Ten offers greater exposure for its programs, the grueling travel schedules may deter some recruits who prioritize consistent training routines and proximity to home. The perception of a demanding and physically taxing conference could also influence player decisions.

The expansion of the Big Ten has undeniably created a new era in college football, one characterized by unprecedented geographic reach and logistical complexities. While the financial rewards are substantial, the challenges associated with increased travel distances demand careful consideration and innovative solutions to ensure the long-term health, safety, and competitive integrity of the conference. The 2024 season will serve as a crucial test case for the Big Ten as it navigates this new reality and seeks to balance expansion ambitions with the well-being of its student-athletes.

[ https://www.si.com/college-football/2023/10/18/big-ten-expansion-travel-distances-impact-on-teams ] - This article from Sports Illustrated provides additional context on the travel challenges and potential solutions.